Ecology/Environmental Science

BIOLOGY MAJOR (BS): ECOLOGY/ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE CONCENTRATION

24 to 27additional credits to the Biology Program Core Credits

The Biology major with a concentration in Ecology/Environmental science will prepare students for graduate studies and STEM careers in ecology, environmental science and related disciples. Graduates will have acquired a broad foundation of knowledge and conceptual understanding of the biotic and abiotic factors interacting within ecosystems. Graduates will have developed the scientific research skills essential to conducting and/or contributing to scientific investigations related to ecology and environmental science. Recommended for students interested in pursuing advanced degrees in the sciences and/or careers involving scientific research.

In addition to the core courses, the students choosing the ecology/environmental science concentration will complete the following requirements:

BI 310 Ecology

BI 311 Ecology Lab

BI 317 Plant Biology and Lab

BI 320 Evolution

BI 360 Microbiology

BI 361 Microbiology Lab

Students will also choose 3+ credits from the following list of research electives:

Students will also choose one (1) course from the following list of biotic electives:

BI 322 Animal Behavior

BI 330 Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy

BI 331 Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy Lab

BI 340 Parasitology

BI 341 Parasitology Lab

BI 367 Microbial Ecology and Lab

Students will also choose one (1) course from the following list of abiotic electives:

BI 418 Limnology

BI 419 Limnology in the Field

CH 308 Environmental Chemistry

CH 310 Quantitative Analysis

CH 311 Quantitative Analysis Lab

Undergraduate Research Experiences

Internal research experiences, mentored by Notre Dame College faculty, are available in ecology/environmental science. Since NDC is located in an area known for its major research universities and community partners, students are encouraged to pursue external research experiences. Students are strongly encouraged to apply for and connect with these institutions for research work (summer or during the academic year) in these facilities. These experiences provide the student with additional learning opportunities, work experience, summer employment, career exploration possibilities, and, in some circumstances, academic credit from Notre Dame College.

Internships

While an internship is not a requirement for graduation, it is highly recommended that students participate in a paid or unpaid internship to apply their learning and gain practical experience in their field.